- By Sidhi Agarwall
- Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ek Tha Tiger: Salman Khan’s blockbuster Ek Tha Tiger has achieved a remarkable milestone more than a decade after its release. The 2012 film, directed by Kabir Khan, has officially become the only Indian film to be showcased at the prestigious International Spy Museum in Washington DC, USA. This recognition marks a proud moment for Indian cinema as the film stands alongside some of the most iconic spy titles from around the world. The International Spy Museum is known for documenting the history and culture of espionage. Its cinematic section features around 25 celebrated spy films and series, which include international classics and modern thrillers. In this global line-up, Ek Tha Tiger shines as the sole representative of Hindi cinema, celebrating its impact on the genre and its legacy as the first film in the YRF Spy Universe.
Director Kabir Khan himself expressed surprise and delight when he found out about the news. He reportedly shared, “I didn’t have any knowledge about it and I got to know from the people who saw it over there. They messaged me, ‘We saw the poster of Ek Tha Tiger and it’s the only Hindi film there in the whole galaxy of films’. I found it very amusing and it was great to see Salman and Katrina’s faces on that wall.” Reflecting on the film’s journey, he added, “Some films take a life of their own as the years pass. Ek Tha Tiger is one such film that has grown in popularity, also because it subsequently became part of the Spyverse initiated by Yash Raj. Being the first film of the universe gives it a certain exalted position.”
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Meanwhile, Kabir Khan also highlighted what made the film stand out during its time. He said, “Those were the days when we were not relying so much on VFX for action. I feel that as a filmmaker and an audience, there’s a difference when you attempt raw, real and gritty action. Too much dependence on VFX doesn’t connect. Ek Tha Tiger brought the spy genre out in a big way, featuring stars like Salman and Katrina. That also helped.” Kabir Khan summed up the film’s journey by saying, “It was the first film to bring out that spy genre in a big way, featuring stars like Salman and Katrina. That also helped.”
On the other hand, the museum’s cinematic wall of fame also includes international titles such as Casino Royale, Mission Impossible, Spy Game, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Mr and Mrs Smith, The Imitation Game, Bridge of Spies, Homeland, Alias, and Fauda. Alongside such legendary works, the presence of Ek Tha Tiger highlights the global recognition of Bollywood’s contribution to the spy genre.
About Ek Tha Tiger
Ek Tha Tiger, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, introduced audiences to the RAW spy Avinash Singh Rathore, popularly known as Tiger, and ISI agent Zoya. The film not only became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of its time but also laid the foundation for Yash Raj Films’ much-celebrated Spy Universe. The franchise later expanded with Tiger Zinda Hai, Tiger 3, War, and Pathaan, with YRF now preparing for its next spy film, Alpha, scheduled for release in December 2025.
